Ms Aoife MacEvilly:

The Deputy's point about the investment climate is well made. We can certainly examine whether the five-year period is too long or too short. However, that does not change the fundamental fact that if Mayo Renewable Limited had proceeded to build the plant within the five-year period and the heat use had changed, the certificate could very easily have changed too. That is the requirement of the directive. We are looking at whether this is high efficiency CHP and it is a continuous assessment on an annual basis to ensure that only the correct amount is paid through the renewable support scheme. It is not terribly different from the position that applies to wind farm developers. Clearly, 100% of their output is renewable so the high-efficiency test is not necessary but their earnings will be based on how good a wind year it was. In all markets there are risks that have to be taken on board by the developer. Some of these can be managed, and HE CHP producers may be in a better position to manage their heat output than the wind industry. However, that is the nature of investment in different renewable sectors.

Mr. Melvin will explain the point regarding the difference between a full and a partial certificate.